With the TLX, Acura attempts to meet the needs of several different luxury sport sedan buyers. The TLX 2.4 is the standard model, featuring a 206-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox. The TLX 3.5 features a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Both cars have paddle shifters, both cars have front-wheel drive, and both cars include a Precision All-Wheel Steer system that endows the TLX with greater athleticism. Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is optional for the TLX 3.5, a torque vectoring system that can deliver a majority of engine output to a single rear wheel if necessary in order to make the car feel particularly sporting.

A Technology Package is an option, installing premium leather upholstery, a premium surround sound audio system, a navigation system, and AcuraLink subscription services. Rain-sensing wipers, a forward collision warning system, a blind spot warning system, and a lane keeping assist system are also included in this package. Applied to the TLX 3.5, this package also adds an 8-way power front passenger’s seat and larger 18-inch aluminum wheels.

An Advance Package is exclusively available for the TLX 3.5. It adds adaptive cruise control, an automatic emergency braking system, and a lane departure prevention system. Front and rear parking sensors, remote engine starting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and other upgrades are also included with the Advance Package. Keep in mind that trunk space shrinks if you get the Advance Package. Without it, the TLX can carry 14.3 cu.-ft. of luggage. With it, the trunk measures 13.2 cu.-ft.

The Acura TLX is a very safe automobile. In federal government crash testing, it receives a 5-star rating in every single assessment, including for rollover resistance. In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the TLX earns the top score in all but the small overlap frontal impact evaluation, for which it receives an “Acceptable” rating. What this means is that the TLX will lose its “Top Safety Pick” designation for the 2016 calendar year.